On april 29, 2017 Jordan Edwards a 15 year old African American boy was murdered by police officer Roy Oliver in Texas. He was riding in the passenger’s seat of a vehicle along with two of his brothers and two friends, and was shot in the back of the head. He was unarmed.
Initial reports stated that the officers were responding to a call about a party where underage drinking occurred. Upon arrival officers allegedly heard gunfire and Roy Oliver then shot Edwards. Video footage of the incident showed the car moving away from police officers, posing no threat.
The officer who shot Edwards was charged with murder on may 5, 2017. On august 28, 2018 Roy Oliver was found guilty of Edwards’ murder and the day after he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
15 years. This is white privilege. Carmine Edwards said “He can actually see life again after 15 years, and that’s not enough because Jordan can’t see life again.”
Even though the conviction was a victory and a step towards justice. We need to do more. There have been countless cases where white police officers kill black unarmed men but they are rarely convicted. “This case is not just about Jordan. It’s about Tamir Rice. It’s about Walter Scott. It’s about Alton Sterling. It’s about every African American who have been killed and who have not gotten justice” - Daryl Washington, Jordan’s family attorney
Jordan Edwards was a 15 year old boy who lived in Balch Springs, Texas. He was a first year student at Mesquite High School. He was a child. He was unarmed. He did in no way deserve to die.
Love and strength to the family.
Jordan Edwards. We will never forget your story. We will never forget your name.
Karimi, Faith, and Emanuella Grinberg. “Texas Ex-Officer Is Sentenced to 15 Years for Killing an Unarmed Teen.” CNN, Cable News Network, 30 Aug. 2018, edition.cnn.com/2018/08/29/us/texas-jordan-edwards-death-sentencing-phase/index.html.
Unknown. “Roy Oliver: Ex-Police Officer Jailed for Jordan Edwards Shooting.” BBC News, BBC, 30 Aug. 2018, www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45352610.